The uncritical praise heaped upon the late Nelson Mandela leads one to consider: What actually is a leader? Leaders are sometimes victims. Mandela was certainly a victim. He was unjustly imprisoned for more than two decades by an authoritarian, racist … Continue reading
Category: Politics & Government
Thomas Paine’s Warning
A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right. — Thomas Paine (one of America’s founders, author of “Common Sense”) I love this quote. It applies to all forms of human association. … Continue reading
You’re Under Arrest…Just-in-Case
In some states, including my own (Delaware), there is talk among legislators and governors of stopping the next mass shooting before it happens. How? By determining those most likely to commit the crime. “This package of gun safety measures is … Continue reading
Why Most Americans No Longer Trust “The Other Guy”
The vast majority of Americans now believe that most people cannot be trusted. Not merely politicians or politically connected businesses, but most people period. According to a new AP poll, only one-third of Americans say they believe that most people … Continue reading
Iran: Obama’s New Best Friend
Obama and John Kerry have “struck a deal” with Iran. We’re now supposed to breathe easier. Because of this deal, we’re told, Iran will no longer be building nuclear weapons in order to destabilize the Middle East (translation: our oil … Continue reading
Seattle Outlaws Boeing and Starbucks
Boeing threatens to leave Washington state because of the new Socialist council member’s policies. The socialist’s answer? Forbid them from leaving. During a rally for unionized Boeing workers, Kshama Sawant, a recently elected Seattle City Councilmember and self-identified socialist, told … Continue reading
Is Fat a Political Matter?
Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness…and the right to not eat trans fats? The Food and Drug Administration has determined that a major source of trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils) is no longer “generally recognized as safe.” Are these trans … Continue reading
Chris Christie: The Next Republican Loser
In the wake of another election loss in Virginia, Republicans are looking for ways to “save” their party. To some, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie seems like the answer. Can a party save itself from its own ideas? No, not … Continue reading
Republicrats Win … Some Victory!
By any objective definition, the budget ‘deal’ that ended the government shutdown was no deal at all. A deal implies concessions by both sides. The basic battle was over Obamacare funding. Obama said the law will be funded 100 percent, … Continue reading
Social Security & Medicare: America’s Downfall?
Dear Dr Hurd: You have written about Social Security a number of times so I am viewing you as a reliable sounding board on the topic. I have spent some time digging around and using SSA stats and a few … Continue reading
Half of Americans Now Want a Third Party
Fifty-two percent of Republicans say that America needs a third party, according to a newly released Gallup poll. Forty-nine percent of Democrats say the same thing. Actually, that’s not quite right. America does not need a third party; it needs … Continue reading
Americans Reject Both Parties: So What Now?
Barack Obama’s approval rating is down to 37 percent, according to a new AP poll. That puts him at the popularity level of miserably failed Presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush. But a new Gallup poll puts Republicans at … Continue reading